(Hong Kong, 21 February 2025) – In response to the Hong Kong SAR government’s policy direction to “promote sports arbitration” as outlined in the 2024 Policy Address, eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”), an independent non-profit arbitration and mediation organisation, hosted the “Speed and Justice– Technology × Sports Arbitration” forum yesterday. The forum brought together more than 13 distinguished experts, scholars, and legal professionals in the field of sports arbitration to explore innovative practices in sports arbitration and discuss Hong Kong's strategic role as an international dispute resolution centre. 

Policy and Opportunities: eBRAM’s Technological Empowerment of Sports Arbitration

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee, emphasized in the Policy Address that with the vigorous development of the sports industry, sports-related disputes are becoming increasingly complex, and it is necessary to establish a professional dispute resolution mechanism to consolidate Hong Kong’s legal advantages. Sports disputes often involve issues over athletes’ portrait rights, discrepancies in the broadcasting contract terms, and breaches of e-sports sponsorship agreements, which require specialised knowledge, confidentiality, and swift resolution. Traditional judicial procedures are often insufficient to address these challenges effectively. In response, eBRAM actively responded to this call by leveraging its self-developed online mediation and arbitration service platform, demonstrating the deep integration of technology and law. The platform supports virtual mediation and arbitration while incorporating advanced technologies such as “real-time digital record authentication”, “AI-powered multilingual instant translation”, and “blockchain-secured tamper-proof technology” to ensure efficiency and data security. This technological framework enhances arbitration efficiency and meets the unique demands of sports disputes, offering flexible, efficient and confidential solutions for stakeholders. 

The forum was officiated by Dr. Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR, and featured a keynote speech by Dr. Qiao Yijuan, Head of the Theoretical Research Department of the China Commission of Arbitration for Sport (CCAS), titled “Latest Developments in Chinese Sports Arbitration - from CCAS's practices”, providing an in-depth analysis of typical cases and emerging trends of sports-related commercial disputes in recent years. Dr. Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP highlighted in his address, “Given the specialised and unique nature of sports disputes, mediation and arbitration are widely regarded as the most appropriate resolution methods. The integration of technology, such as online dispute resolution (ODR), can overcome geographical and time constraints, enabling stakeholders to efficiently resolve sports disputes through mediation or arbitration. The Department of Justice plans to identify suitable institutions to administer the pilot scheme and provide relevant technological services in the coming months. Additionally, a set of model arbitration rules for sports disputes will be formulated, expected to be launched in the second half of the year to address the actual needs of the local sports sector.”

Bringing Together Cross-Sector Expertise to Shape the Future

Furthermore, the forum delved into two major themes, namely “Innovation and Development of Sports Arbitration” and “Preparation Needed for Hong Kong to Become the Capital of International Sports Disputes Resolution”. The experts unanimously agreed that Hong Kong should fully leverage its legal strengths, enhance its framework for sports dispute resolution, and actively collaborate with domestic and international sports organisations to solidify its influence in the global sports dispute resolution landscape.

The first panel focused on how technology is reshaping sports arbitration, examining the feasibility of online sports arbitration and analysing the unique characteristics, advantages and challenges of sports arbitration. The second panel explored Hong Kong's legal system advantages and how it can be further refined to establish Hong Kong as a global centre for sports arbitration. Experts also suggested that Hong Kong’s legal sector should proactively engage with international sports organisations to strengthen its global standing in sports dispute resolution.

Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM said, “The Policy Address has clearly emphasized the need to establish a sports dispute resolution mechanism and promote sports arbitration, fully utilizing Hong Kong's institutional advantages in international dispute resolution. By building an efficient sports arbitration mechanism, Hong Kong can provide swift and fair solutions for disputes arising during major sport events, safeguarding the rights and interests of athletes, coaches, and event organisers while enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international hub for sports legal services.”

Mr. Ronald Sum, JP, Vice-Chairman of eBRAM, added, “Hong Kong needs to develop a comprehensive sports dispute resolution mechanism to protect the athletes’ rights and foster the sustainable growth of the sports industry. In particular, the legal sector should explore innovative sports arbitration solutions, including online arbitration, to enhance the efficiency and flexibility in sports dispute resolution, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s further development as a global leader in sports arbitration.”

The roundtable discussions were supported by leading experts in sports arbitration, including Prof. Lu Song, Professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, Panel Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Panel Arbitrator at the China Sports Arbitration Commission (CCAS); Mr. David Wu, Partner at Llinks Law Firm, Panel Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Panel Arbitrator at the China Sports Arbitration Commission (CCAS); Mr. Simon Bai, Partner at Grandall (Tianjin) Law Firm, Panel Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Panel Arbitrator at the China Sports Arbitration Commission (CCAS); Mr. An Shouzhi, Director at Anjie & Broad (Xiamen) Law Firm, Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Arbitrator at the China Sports Arbitration Commission; Mr. Tan Jinsong, Partner at Yingke (Shenzhen) Law Firm, Legal Counsel for the Hangzhou Asian Games; The Honourable Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member, Technology & Innovation Constituency, Chairman of Hong Kong Squash; The Honourable Adrian Pedro HO King-hong, Election Committee; Mr Hau Pak Sun, Representative of the Law Society of Hong Kong; Member of the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution of the Department of Justice; Mr HEW Yang-Wahn, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Bar Association’s Committee on Sports Law, Member of the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution of the Department of Justice; Barrister-at-Law (Des Voeux Chambers). The discussions were dynamic, with industry representatives offering constructive proposals on policy alignment, resource integration, and regional collaboration, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a sports arbitration hub.

Looking To The Future: Driving Arbitration Innovation Through Technology and Joint Efforts to strengthen GBA’s Sports Legal Framework

eBRAM remains committed to advancing LawTech and playing an active role in sports arbitration. Its self-developed online dispute resolution platform will serve as one-stop solution for sports arbitration and mediation, covering online mediation, arbitration applications, document submission, and evidence exchange. The platform is designed to meet the timeliness requirements of sports arbitration, and can effectively address geographical restrictions for international athletes, coaches and sports institutions involved in the arbitration process. By leveraging technology, the platform aims to enhance the transparency, fairness and efficiency in sports arbitration while promoting the development of international sports arbitration.

Mr. Albert Leung, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of eBRAM, said, “We are dedicated to integrating innovative technology in sports arbitration and mediation to enhance transparency and efficiency in dispute resolution, ensuring that athletes can receive timely and fair solutions. With the flourishing development of international sports events, Hong Kong should fully utilize its legal technology strengths to drive the development of sports law in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”

With the 15th National Games approaching, eBRAM will continue to deepen the integration of LawTech and sports arbitration, and fully support the Hong Kong SAR Government's policy direction on sports arbitration. At the same time, eBRAM will continue expand collaborations the GBA and international sports legal institutions, work together to position Hong Kong as an international sports dispute resolution hub, ensuring a solid foundation for the major sports events in the region.

Dr. Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a speech

Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, delivered a speech

(Front row, from left to right) Ms. Wenny Huang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of eBRAM; Mr. Tan Jinsong, Partner at Yingke (Shenzhen) Law Firm, Head of Hangzhou Asian Games, Official Legal Services Yingke Team; Mr. David Wu, Partner at Llinks Law Firm, Panel Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Committee member at the China Commission of Arbitration for Sports (CCAS); Dr. An Shouzhi, Director at Anjie & Broad (Xiamen) Law Firm, Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Arbitrator at the China Commission of Arbitration for Sports (CCAS); Mr. Simon Bai, Partner at Grandall (Tianjin) Law Firm, Panel Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Panel Arbitrator at the China Commission of Arbitration for Sports (CCAS); Prof. Lu Song, Professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, Panel Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Deputy Director at the China Commission of Arbitration for Sports (CCAS) participated in the first panel discussion